Frontal view of the north surrounding wall, depicting a marble reproduction of the fencing of wooden planks surrounding the area where the altar is found (lower half of the wall); above are garlands supported by buchranes (heads of oxon)

One of the most significant monuments of Ancient Rome the Ara Pacis (Altar of Peace) celebrates the peace created throughout the Mediterranean area by the Emperor Augustus after victorious campaigns in Gaul and Spain. Commissioned by the Senate in 13 BC it was completed 4 years later. The altar itself rests inside a square enclosure made of Carrara marble. All the surfaces are decorated with magnificent friezes and reliefs.